• Pilot Ryan Campbell who works at Merimbula Air Services intends to set off on his epic 45,000 kilometre (24,500 nautical miles) flight around the world in July.
Members of local flying club, the Frogs Hollow Flyers, have organised a fund-raising evening in support of Ryan Campbell, of Pambula, who has set himself the goal of becoming the youngest pilot to fly solo around the world in a single engine aircraft.
Ryan, 18, has planned his solo flight for July this year and has set up a website, created a board of directors that includes Dick Smith and is on the way to raising the considerable amount it will cost to achieve the world record.
On his return, Ryan intends to spend a year travelling around Australia with the aircraft to schools, with the intention of inspiring the youth of Australia to re-engage with aviation, and recognise the power of goal setting and of dreaming.
Neil Bourke, a member of the Frogs Hollow Flyers said that Ryan was determined to show Australia and the rest of the world that living in a regional area was no barrier to achieving his dream.
“Ryan is an extremely mature teenager and is truly capable of achieving this goal,” Mr Bourke said.
“The Frogs Hollow Flyers are keen to show our support and contribute in some small way by holding a fund-raising evening on Friday, February 15, 6.30pm for 7pm start. It will be held at Club Sapphire Merimbula and consist of a two course meal, excellent entertainment and music, a lively auction of quality goods or services including a trip for two to Fiji and a presentation by Ryan about the flight. The cost is $50 per person and it’s sure to be a great night,” Mr Bourke said.
“It is our desire to have as many groups from the community show Ryan and the thousands of other youths in our area that regardless of where you live, how old you are or what walk of life you come from it is what you do in life that determines how your community treats you, not the tags ‘young’ or ‘country kid’ or ‘lacking in opportunity’,” Mr Bourke added.
Ryan’s website: www.teenworldflight.com.au gives details of his plans.
Contact Neil Bourke on 6495 2030 for more information about the fund-raiser.
